Boxing World Mourns Zolani Tete After Fatal Shooting

Zolani Tete shot dead in South Africa  

Former World Boxing Champion Zolani Tete Murdered In Eastern Cape, South Africa. Zolani Tete, holder of fastest World title KO, shot dead at 38.

“I will not speculate about who did this or why...”

Former world boxing champion Zolani 'Last Born' Tete was shot dead outside his home in South Africa’s Eastern Cape on Friday, according to police and the country’s sports minister.

The 38-year-old was arriving at his house in Mdantsane township when two masked gunmen got out of a car and opened fire.  

“I will not speculate about who did this or why,” Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.  

Tete’s death is likely to refocus attention on violent crime in South Africa, which still has one of the highest murder rates globally despite a recent drop in killings. The killing of the former champion has also hit hard in Mdantsane, the Eastern Cape township that has produced many of South Africa’s top boxers.  

A 27-year-old woman who was with Tete was shot several times and rushed to hospital. Police have launched an investigation, but the motive is still unknown.

The World Boxing Organization mourns the tragic passing of former WBO Bantamweight World Champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and the entire South African boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.… pic.twitter.com/UBlR7lf59s

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 21, 2026

Tete first won the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 with a victory over Japan’s Teiru Kinoshita in Kobe. He later added the WBO bantamweight title to his resume.

He is best known globally for his 11-second knockout of compatriot Siboniso Gonya in Belfast in November 2017, the quickest finish ever in a world title fight.